BVG approves U-Bahn train and LRV orders

THE SUPERVISORY board of Berlin Transport (BVG) today approved plans to begin procurement of a new generation train for the small-profile U-Bahn lines and a further batch of Bombardier Flexity Berlin low-floor LRVs.

BVG will order two prototype four-car U-Bahn sets for delivery in 2015, with the aim of introducing series trains in 2017. These will replace the fleet of A3L71 trains, which dates back to 1972-3. The new trains will be designed to return at least 20% of braking energy back to the grid, with level boarding to aid accessibility. BVG has allocated €158m to finance the project.

Meanwhile a further 39 bi-directional Flexity Berlin low-floor LRVs will be ordered from Bombardier. BVG placed an initial order for 99 vehicles in 2009 and these are now entering service.